Farmers and crofters are being asked to put down their mobile this Farm Safety Week and take more caution in their cabs

As Farm Safety Week comes to an end, NFU Scotland is asking farmers and crofters remain focussed when they are driving tractors, vehicles and machinery, and not to use their mobile phones.

Whether they are driving on a main road or on farm track, using your phone whilst driving any vehicle is illegal and needs to be taken seriously.

Even a momentary lapse in concentration can have disastrous results with potentially life changing consequences for not only the operator but those working with and around them. These are large, powerful and potentially dangerous machines being used on farms and crofts and need to be treated as such

In addition to the safety aspect, being caught driving on your phone can result in a substantial fine. And for those who have passed their test in the last two years, being caught using the phone while driving can lead to a loss of license.

Tom French, NFU Scotland Legal and Technical Chair, said: “If there is one thing we should take from Farm Safety Week it is that we, as farmers and crofters, need to be completely vigilant when undertaking tasks, even if they seem easy or mundane.

“Using a mobile phone completely distracts, even for a few seconds. That is enough time for something to wrong and to cause and accident.

“We as an industry , need to , and can do better when it comes to farm safety and the best way to do that is to start with the simple things, like not using our mobile phones when driving or operating machinery.

“It is important to have your phone on you in case of emergencies, but with all the alternatives now available for in cabs and vehicles there is no excuse to be using your handset while driving.”

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Contact Douglas Ross on 07823 556253